Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses: Eco-Luxury Among Mountains & Sea

Imagine waking in a bespoke treetop suite as sunlight filters through kanuka branches, illuminating both the Pacific and the Kaikōura Ranges. This is Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses – a family-owned eco-lodge on a working deer farm just north of Kaikōura, New Zealand. Designed by the Wilson family (noted Kiwi architects), every detail blends luxury with nature, reflecting Kaikōura’s status as one of the world’s premier eco-marine destinations.

Nestled Between Peaks & Ocean

Perched 12 km north of Kaikōura town, Hapuku sits at the intersection of sweeping mountains and the Pacific coastline. From your window, the snow-capped Seaward Ranges rise dramatically behind manicured olive groves, while whales and albatross often signal the ocean’s vibrancy just beyond. Guests can rise early for birdcalls, stroll through deer paddocks, or relax by the lodge’s saltwater lap pool, all surrounded by restored wetlands where native birds like tūī and kererū thrive.

Treetop Suites: Luxury Up in the Canopy

Hapuku’s signature offering is its five Tree Houses, each 10 m above the ground in a native kanuka grove. Three are one-bedroom retreats ideal for couples, with deep-soaking tubs, wood-burning fireplaces, and panoramic views of the ocean or mountains. Two “Family” Tree Houses add a children’s loft with twin beds and bunk-style bunk beds beneath. Every unit includes a cantilevered deck (perfect for outdoor showers), heated floors, and underfloor insulation to minimize energy use. Each stay also covers a three-course dinner and full breakfast made from local, organic ingredients, delivered to your door.

Lodge Suites & Olive House: Rustic Chic on the Ground

If treetops aren’t your style, the main Lodge Suites offer comfortable luxury in a barn-style setting. Upstairs, suites feature king-size beds, stone-walled ensuites, and private balconies overlooking deer paddocks. Nearby, the Olive House (formerly an olive press) has three guest rooms with sweeping sea views, two-person tubs, and bespoke timber furnishings. Throughout, reclaimed kauri and tōtara wood mingle with modern fixtures, creating a warm, eco-chic ambiance.

Farm-to-Table Flavors by Design

Dining at Hapuku is a culinary celebration of Kaikōura’s bounty. The estate’s organic garden supplies vegetables and herbs, while local fishermen bring fresh seafood to the kitchen daily. Each evening, the on-site chef crafts a seasonal, three-course gourmet dinner in the barn-style restaurant – think seared king salmon, mussels with foraged kelp, or venison medallions, all drizzled with estate-pressed olive oil. Breakfasts include honey from on-site hives, free-range eggs, and hearth-baked breads. On warm nights, guests dine under the pergola in the “secret garden,” surrounded by lanterns and native foliage. A picnic lunch can also be packed for whale-watching or hiking excursions.

Kawakawa Studio Spa: Holistic Renewal

Tucked among kanuka trees, Kawakawa Studio Spa offers an outdoor pool, Finnish sauna, and skylit treatment rooms. Therapists use organic, locally sourced botanicals – from kawakawa oil massages to seaweed wraps harvested off Kaikōura’s shores – to create rejuvenating rituals. Yoga classes on the deck, herbal foot baths, and reflexology sessions all echo the lodge’s eco-wellness ethos, inviting guests to fully unwind in nature’s embrace.

Sustainability in Action

True to Kaikōura’s “Green Globe” heritage, Hapuku Lodge embraces sustainable operations. The property runs on solar-assisted heating, composts nearly all waste, and grows much of its own produce in chemical-free orchards and gardens. Reclaimed native timber and recycled materials appear throughout the lodge and amenities, minimizing environmental impact. Even guest laundry and amenities participate in the lodge’s zero-waste efforts. Hapuku is also a member of Giving Bag, enabling guests to donate gently used items to local charities rather than discarding or burdening landfill.

Kaikōura Adventures: From Whales to Waterfalls

When you peel yourself away from the lodge, Kaikōura’s offerings await. Whale-watching tours bring you face-to-face with resident sperm whales that frequent these waters year-round. Eco-boat cruises introduce curious dusky dolphins and seal colonies, while albatross gliders often escort your vessel. Helicopter flights over the Kaikōura ranges offer breathtaking aerial perspectives, or you can hike the Kowhai Point Loop for coastal vistas. Inland, the Puhi Puhi Scenic Reserve features native beech forests, fern gullies, and waterfalls ideal for day treks. For cultural immersion, local guides share Māori legends and introduce guests to marae heritage sites, deepening appreciation for Kaikōura’s indigenous history.

Your Next Eco-Escape

Hapuku Lodge + Treehouses exemplifies how sustainability, design, and heartfelt hospitality can harmonize. Whether you’re soaking in a treetop tub, savoring a farm-fresh meal, or tracking whales on the horizon, every moment is a testament to responsible travel. Ready to explore more eco-luxury sanctuaries? This is just one star in the Impact Hotels constellation – discover inspiring stays worldwide that redefine mindful travel.